Monster In The Shadows: A stand-alone dark romance, page 9
I can do that. Right?
I throw myself onto my bed and let out a sigh.
If you would have told me six months ago that I would rescue a man who had been stabbed from a parking lot, go on a date with a guy I thought was great and then turned out to be a scumbag, who then got shot in front of me by the guy whose life I saved, and then agreed to be said stabbed victim’s “person,” or whatever you want to call me, I would have told you that you were crazy. Yet, here I am with diamond tracking earrings in my ears.
If I told Leanne the truth about everything, she would probably laugh at me, because this could only be a joke. I wish this was all a joke or a bad dream, but nope. It’s reality.
I remember my mom always telling me we can’t choose what life throws at us, but we can choose how we react to it. And I realize I’ve been reacting all wrong. I’ve been reacting like a spoiled child, and that isn’t how I was raised. My mother would be more upset about my attitude today than the situation I found myself in.
“I’m sorry, Mama,” I whisper. “I’ll be the woman you raised me to be tomorrow. Today was just a setback. I love you.”
I close my eyes and drift off to sleep. Tomorrow is another day. We’ll see if I can react better.
I keep playing all of last night over and over again in my head.
All night, I dreamed of Donovan, and I don’t know why.
How can one kiss make you want someone you should hate? And I did hate him, so much. Until I realized he actually cared about me. Yes, he’s controlling and frustrating, but I think he does actually care.
“I’m surprised you’re waiting in your car,” I tell Donovan, climbing into his car and placing my bag by my feet.
He stares at me and smiles. “You’re wearing the earrings.”
Without thinking, I touch one of them gently. “I’m sorry about last night. Like I said, I’m new to all of this. But you were right. I was acting like a child. I’m not used to being bossed around, but I’m going to try and be better.”
He places his hand on top of mine, sending shockwaves up my arm. “Thank you. That’s all I ask. I’m sorry that I didn’t realize how difficult this would be for you. I’ll try to be clearer about why I ask you to do things.”
I smile at him, and his gaze drops to my mouth. He licks his lips, and I wonder if he’s going to kiss me again, but he doesn’t. Instead, he removes his hand from mine and puts the car into drive.
Why does that disappoint me? Why do I actually want him to kiss me again?
Pulling up to the hospital, he stops by the front door. I know I should rush in because it’s almost time for my shift, but I don’t.
“Text me on your breaks, please. I know you’re wearing your tracker, but I still would like to hear from you.”
See? He does care. He wants to hear from me.
“I will. I promise,” I tell him, then climb out of the car.
I don’t know what else to say. There are a million thoughts running through my head, but now is not the time to talk about them. Maybe after work.
I put my bag in my locker and send Donovan a quick text.
Me: Not sure when my first break will be, but I’ll text you.
Donovan: Thank you. Be safe.
Me: I will. Talk soon.
“Did you get new earrings?” my preceptor, Jessica, asks.
I nod, feeling my cheeks heat. “Yeah. They were a gift from a friend.”
That’s close enough to the truth.
“They’re beautiful. Whoever it was must be a really nice friend,” she says with a wink.
I giggle and follow her onto the floor. “So, what’s on the schedule for today?”
“I heard it’s been quiet today, so we’ll probably have a busy evening, especially since it’s a full moon. You know those are crazy.”
I nod and follow behind her to meet with the shift that was before us and get the reports.
Me: Sorry it’s so late. The hospital got swamped. I swear I’m not ignoring you on purpose. I just got my break, and I don’t think it will be a long one.
Donovan: Thank you for letting me know. Are you okay?
I take a bite of my apple before replying.
Me: Fine. It’s just been a very intense night.
Donovan: Any interesting cases?
Me: A kid thought he could fly, but couldn’t. Ended up needing stitches.
Donovan: Did you do them?
Me: No, doctors usually do that. Most people aren’t stubborn like you.
Donovan: Fair enough. I’ll see you in a couple hours.
Me: See you soon.
I put my phone back into my locker and head back onto the floor.
“Ready to face the crazy?” Jessica asks.
I shrug. “As ready as I can be.”
I sigh as I walk out of the hospital an hour past the time I was supposed to be off. My shoulders are carrying so much tension, and I’m starving.
It’s hard to leave when the hospital is swamped, and of course a lot of the cases didn’t even need to be in emergency today.
I open the door to Donovan’s car and slide in.
“I’m sorry I’m late. It was a fucking gong show tonight.” I throw my head back, resting it against the back of the seat.
“It’s okay,” he says with a small smile. “Do you want me to find a place to eat that’s open or would you prefer takeout?”
I almost forgot that he said we were going to have dinner together four nights a week. I also thought he wouldn’t want to do that after an evening shift. But knowing that he’s still going to feed me tonight, after I got off so late, makes me feel special. Cared for.
“Takeout, please. The last thing I want is to be around more people.”
He nods and pushes a button to start his voice command.
“Call Chung Moi,” Donovan says, and precedes to order all of my favorite Chinese dishes.
I stare at him in awe. How does he keep doing that? Knowing exactly what to order, without even asking me? And the even creepier part is, I was actually craving Chinese.
He hangs up and glances at me. “What?”
“How do you always know exactly what to order for me?”
He shrugs, keeping his focus on the road. “I just order what I want. I’m glad you have the same taste.”
I nod slowly, still not entirely believing him. There has to be more to it. I just don’t know what.
We pull into my driveway, and I get out with Donovan right behind me.
“Thank you for using your alarm system,” he says after I unarm it.
For some reason, that makes me blush. Oddly enough, I like pleasing him. As much as I want to push his buttons and do everything to disobey him, it actually makes me happy when he compliments me on listening to him.
“I’m going to take a quick shower before we eat, if that’s okay,” I tell Donovan.
He nods, and I run to my bathroom and quickly hop in the shower. The hot water feels amazing, and the stress of the shift washes away.
A knock on the door startles me, and I let out a little squeak.
“Food’s here!” Donovan hollers through the door.
“I’ll be right out!” I yell back.
I take a couple of deep breaths, calming my heart. I never used to get startled so easily. I guess a lot changes when your entire world gets flipped upside-down.
Paige has absolutely no rhyme or reason to the organization of her kitchen. Her plates are in a cupboard under her island, and her serving platters are up where I would keep the plates. Who the fuck organizes a kitchen like this?
I’m setting the table when she walks out in sleep shorts and an oversized t-shirt. Her hair is wet and down in loose waves.
“Sorry that took longer than planned. Do you ever just stand in a shower and never want to leave?” she asks, tossing her dark locks over her shoulder.
I stare at her for a moment, taking her in. She’s wearing her glasses and doesn’t have any makeup on, yet she’s radiant.
“Food’s on the table,” I tell her, gathering my thoughts.
We sit, eating in silence for a couple of minutes. I’ll glance at her and she’ll look away, a pretty shade of pink covering her chest.
“Why do you keep your plates in the cupboard under the island?” I ask, breaking the silence.
“Because I’m short. It’s easier to keep them there than have to get a step stool every time I want a plate,” she answers like it’s no big deal.
“It just doesn’t make sense. No one keeps their plates there.”
She stares at me for a moment. “Well, I do. It’s not like I live with anyone. So, get used to bending that fine ass over when you need to get a plate.”
She quickly covers her mouth, eyes wide, like she can’t believe she just said that out loud.
I give her a smile. “You think my ass is fine?”
“Maybe,” she whispers, biting her lip.
I want to clear the table, pull her over, and have her for dessert, but she’s already mentioned sex being off the table. I know we’ll get there one day. I can feel her attraction to me. It won’t be long before she gives in, but I don’t think tonight will be that night.
“Do you want ice cream for dessert?” she asks, standing and picking up her plate.
She rounds the table to take mine, but I grab her wrist, causing her breath to catch. Standing, I make note not to let go of her wrist. I pull her close to me and breathe in her fruity shampoo.
“I have to get going, but thank you for spending time with me.” I lean down and kiss her cheek.
Her breathing is shallow, and she doesn’t pull away from my grip. We’re definitely making progress.
“Text me when you go to bed,” I tell her, walking away.
She turns, and I can feel her watch me walk down the hallway to the front door.
“Goodnight,” she says, barely loud enough for me to hear.
Yes, this plan is working perfectly. I just have to be patient.
I drive around the corner to park my car and make my way back to Paige’s house. Her text pops up on my phone, and I know she’s in her room. Watching through her bedroom window, I see her slip out of her sleep shorts and then slowly pull her shirt off. Her large breasts bounce as she frees them from her bra.
Having such a small house with lots of windows isn’t a great idea. Anyone can peer in and watch you. Just like I’m doing right now.
Slowly, she squeezes her tits, and I’m instantly hard.
Is she thinking about me when she does that?
One of her hands slips down her stomach, dipping into her panties, and she throws her head back. Fuck.
I unzip my pants and grip my cock. Do I want to be jacking off outside her window? No. But how can I not when the woman who consumes all my thoughts is pleasuring herself in plain view?
I wish I could hear her moans right now, but she’s not loud enough and her window is closed.
Her hand slips out of her panties, and she grabs a pink vibrator from her nightstand. Lying on her back, she spreads her legs and slowly inserts the soft silicone into her wet pussy.
I wish I was the one pleasing her. That it was my fingers and tongue inside her instead of that damn toy.
Her back arches, head falling back, and mouth opening as she continues to move the vibrator in and out.
I start stroking myself faster, wishing my cock was inside her as I try to match my movement with hers as she pulls the toy in and out.
As she comes, her cry is just loud enough for me to hear, and I instantly spill my seed over my hand. It’s messy as fuck, but I smile knowing that it will be Paige’s hand that’s covered one day.
Pulling the sheets up and shutting off her lamp, she slowly drifts off to sleep, and I leave her. I’m not entering her house tonight.
I need her soon. I don’t know how much longer I’ll be able to just watch.
Me: Pack your bag for tonight. I want to come straight home when you get off at the library. I have plans for us.
I send the text message to Paige and see the bubbles pop up and disappear, like she’s trying to figure out what to say. Or maybe she wants to fight it.
We’ve had dinner together every night, and we’ve been falling into comfortable conversations. I think my plan of winning her over is working. I’m trying not to push her, but I need her to move in soon. I need to stop worrying about whether or not she’s safe. My focus needs to be on my job, and it’s hard to do that when I’m thinking about Paige so often. I’ve never been like this before, and I don’t like it.
Women don’t invade my thoughts. They don’t make me want to change my plans. They mean nothing to me. They’re a way to meet my needs and nothing more.
No woman ever spends any significant amount of time in my house, yet I’m making it mandatory that Paige does. And eventually, I want her living with me.
Why? What’s so different about her? I should fucking hate this, and in some ways, I do, but I also love it.
I run a hand through my hair and pace my bedroom, wondering if I should stop all of this. Just let Paige go.
No. It’s too late for that. She has a target on her back, and it’s my fault.
Again, I shouldn’t even care. She didn’t have to save me. In fact, I told her not to.
But I do care, and it’s unnerving. I want her like I’ve never wanted a woman before. She’s already agreed to be mine, and she’s doing well. But I want more. I want her under me. I want her begging for me to make her come.
I straighten my tie in the mirror. I’m meeting with Marcus today. I just found out that he knows more than he’s telling. Kyle hacked his bank account and found out that someone hired him to hire me. He didn’t want Bellini dead. Actually, he had never even met Bellini. There was no connection between them at all. The minute I found out, I wanted to go tear him limb from limb, but Sway calmed me down and we came up with a plan.
I’m almost starting to feel paranoid now that I know Marcus knows more than he is saying. Is everyone hiding something? How deep does this go? Who else is involved?
My phone beeps, pulling me from my thoughts.
Paige: Okay. Is there anything specific I need to pack?
I smile. She’s been such a good girl since our fight at the beginning of the week. Her attitude did a complete one-eighty, and I’m glad. The last thing I need is to deal with her bratty behavior.
Me: A bathing suit.
Paige: Why?
Me: You’ll see.
I back out of our texts and pull up Sway’s contact information, hitting the call button.
“What’s up?” he answers.
I walk out of my bedroom to my front door, grabbing my keys along the way. “I’m on my way to drive Paige to the library, and then I’m going to see Marcus. How was your meeting with Winston?”
“Uneventful. Look, I know he’s technically my boss. And honestly, he’s the only reason I’m alive today. I owe him a lot. But I think something’s fishy. We keep hitting all these dead ends, and these two powerful men who usually know everything suddenly know nothing? It just doesn’t feel right.”
I nod, even though he can’t see me. “I know. I don’t think Marcus is going to open up today either. They think we’re stupid. That we aren’t putting together the pieces. But we are. We need to play dumb for a little bit longer. We have to figure out someone who would want Marcus dead and then pin his disappearance on them. No one can know we took him, especially Winston.”
“Got it. You work on that today. I’m keeping as close of an eye on Winston as I can. I promise I’m on your side. We’re in this together.”
“Talk soon,” I say before ending the call and getting into my car.
Everything is driving me crazy.
Why would Marcus lie to us?
Winston and Marcus always struck me as guys who had somewhat of a moral compass, but maybe I’ve read them all wrong. Maybe I was blinded by our closeness.
Like Sway, Winston saved my life. He took me in when my father passed and my sister was kidnapped. He helped me follow in my father’s footsteps. But if he’s involved in this at all, I won’t hesitate to kill him. He always told me emotions are for the weak, and I’m not weak.
“To what do I owe this visit?” Marcus asks, adjusting the way he is sitting behind his desk. A band of sweat breaks across his forehead. Interesting.
“Just checking in to see if you’ve heard anything new.”
His eyes dart around the room.
Is the room bugged? Marcus is a smart man, but he’s a coward. Yes, he hires me to kill men because he wants his hands to stay clean, but he also does it because he’s afraid.
“Sorry, Don. No new news. Have all those leads I’ve sent you turned up dead ends?”
“Yeah. Something isn’t adding up. But the one man we took last mentioned your name. Said someone was coming after you. I wanted to give you a heads-up. Can you think of anyone who would want you dead?” I ask, planting the false seeds of doubt.
He straightens his tie and shakes his head.
“Me? Why would they want me dead? I don’t know anything,” he says, stuttering a little.
“Turns out people found out you hired me to kill Bellini. Do you think his family would be after you?”
Again, he shakes his head. “No. If anyone wanted me dead, it would be Grayson Hawkson. He’s wanted me taken out for a while now. I think he was friends with Bellini too.”
I fight back my smile. Bingo. Got the information I needed.
Grayson Hawkson is the biggest meth dealer in Chicago. Marcus started dabbling in it a bit and is competition to Grayson. Not big enough that Grayson would actually want to take him out, but it could work as a cover.
“Well, maybe keep your ears open. I’ll let you know if I hear more.”
Marcus nods. “Thanks, Don. If I learn anything new, I’ll let you know.”
I stand and leave the office. On the way to my car, I pull out my phone and text Sway.
Me: I have a gift for you.
Sway: It’s not even my birthday.
Me: Just call me Santa Claus.
Sway: When do I get to open it?
